Paris 2012 [Part 1]

This year’s trip to Paris was, as usual, not a boring one. It was the first time we were travelling with both girls since Robin started walking and that scared me a little. The only other time we went away with both of them was when Robin was still breastfed and was very much a baby. Now she’s a running, restless, curious 18 month old who wants to do everything her sister does.

Both flights, which was what scared me most, were fine. On the way there Maia doodled on a new notebook and Robin was shifted from one set of arms to the next and was generally entertained. On the way back, Robin slept almost for half of the flight, which was fantastic. The trouble started a couple of days after we arrived in Paris. The whole holiday was a very laid-back affair, without any definite plans to stick to. So when Maia developed a fever a couple of days after our arrival, we took things even easier than we already were. She had her medicines and rested in Robin’s stroller while Robin was carried by the husband in a new carrier we got there. Two days later, she was fine. And that’s when Robin got sick. She had a fever for a couple of days too and had difficulty breathing, especially at night. Luckily, an extra dose of Ventolin during the night and lots of saline nasal spray helped her get through it.

I usually get very anxious when they are sick and prefer to stay at home to make sure they are comfortable. This time, however, I surprised myself. I was very tense the first two days, snapping at Maia every time she complained (which was every fifteen minutes or so) and cursing the biting cold we had taken the girls to. I even broke down a few times (what’s new?). Then I sat myself down and gave myself a good talking to. That’s when I managed to relax and go with it. I stopped feeling guilty and made it a point to enjoy the week we had in the city I love so much. And you know what? That’s when Maia stopped complaining, I stopped barking at everyone around me and a good time was had, even when Calpol had to be administered and noses had to be wiped.

Our plan was to go back to our rented flat everyday in the early afternoon for Robin to have her nap. That plan flew out the window. We spent every day walking the streets of Paris, riding metros and visiting the places we love the most until bedtime. Robin learned to sleep in the carrier and was fine.

As for me, I learned to loosen up a little and go with the flow. Children will get sick, plans will be cancelled, life will throw curveballs at you when you least expect them but life goes on. I hope to carry this lesson with me in life. Our time here is too short to be spoiled with unnecessary worries.

Waiting for Maia to write her wish on the Christmas tree at Les Halles.Metro napsMaia resting her legs outside Notre Dame.See-sawing on Ile de la Cite’

Robin outside Shakespeare & CompanyAt Galeries Lafayette, on the way to our favourite toyshop on the top floor.Our little clown‘Our flat’, which Maia didn’t want to leave when it was time to come back homeMaia Instagramming at the top of the Eiffel TowerThe morning we woke up to snowAn overtired Robin at the LouvreOn a carousel at Champs de Mars parkObligatory photo at the Trocadero. Silliness optional.